I have an 2002 F-150with a 4.6 liter&approximately 45000 miles, started fine this morning, got off work and just turns over. No noise from fuel pump and checked fuses and relays. Would this likely be the fuel pump or is there something else I can check before dropping the tank.

 

There is an inertia switch located behind the passenger side interior kick panel for the fuel pump. There is a reset button you can push to reset it.

I would give it a try before I drop the tank. I am sure alot of other folks here will have some input as well.

 

I agree, had that problem with my 94 ranger. Check the inertia switch, if that aint it, go thru the fuel system schematics in a factory repair manual...you may be there a while.

-Dan

 

Will have to check in morning, since truck was left stranded at work. What would cause this switch to be tripped? Normal drive in to work and sat all day. It is rather cold here, about 20-25 degrees. Would this be a factor?

 

Another vehicle bumped into it, would cause the switch to trip. Diagnose fully before you drop the tank. Keep in mind it could be an ignition problem. Good luck.

 

I parked my 2004 5.4 F150 at the Philadelphia airport on Sunday. Flew back from LA on the redeye last night and the truck wouldn't start.....I could hear the fuel pump prime, I reset the inertia switch, checked the injector fuse (all good). I'm going to let the temp rise a bit and go back and see if it'll start. It's either fuel or spark.....Hmmm.

 

Update on my truck. Fuel line was froze.......went back mid day and it started right up. But, now I have a check engine light

 

If you were considering taking it to an auto parts store for a free read, ask first if their OBD-II reader is "CAN-capable". The readers from 96-03 will not communicate with your 04.

Steve

 

I unhooked the positive battery lead and the fault cleared.

BUT, this morning was another cold day and the truck will not start. It turns over but does not catch...............I'm getting impatient, I just bought the truck 3 weeks ago and I am already having issues.

 

If it's a frozen fuel line, it certainly is not the truck's fault..... Why be pissed at it?

 

I wonder if you have water in your system, since gasoline doesn't really freeze but gets thicker, and shouldn't do any such thing above -200C which is really cold...

Perhaps adding some water-removing/fuel conditioner to the fuel tank would be in order, it might also be worth changing the fuel filter. It could also be that some component in the fuel system (or elsewhere) is just not functioning, which could mimic this behaviour. (of something freezing)

It could also be that if it's that darn cold, the oil might be too thick for it to turn over?

 

I'd bet that was why it was traded off. Don't be stuck on the idea that it's a fuel delivery problem. Buy an inexpenive spark tester and check for spark the next time it won't start. If you don't have anyone around to run the stater switch, you will need a remote starter switch also.

 

Wow a lot of misinformation here! and some good!

If your fuel line is frozen which is very possible. once it starts again change the fuel filter and use and isopropyl based fuel line dryer. then once that tank is gone fill er up and run some GOOD fuel system cleaner through. (BG 44k, Techron)

Your check engine light is due to the cold start up and when a gas engine first starts it produces a massive amount of water which can soak an o2 sensor and throw a code, especially if they are old. very common make sure you are really warming the truck up. (30 to 40 min drive)

NEVER EVER disconnect the POSITIVE wire first!!!! You can cook all sorts of electrical components including the ECM!

Cheap spark tester WILL NOT properly diagnose ignition on a computer controlled engine! Just because there is spark it doesn't mean there is ENOUGH spark.

good luck-

 

I changed the filter and it didn't fix the problem. I bought a scanner and I got the following codes.

P1235 Fuel Pump Control Out of Range
P2105 Throttle Actuator Control Forced Engine Shutdown
P2107 Throttle Actuator Control Mod Processor
P0606 PCM Processor Fault


I then put a space heater under the hood and warmed the engine bay for 15 minutes......the truck started right. The temp outside was above 35* so I doubt it is fuel related.

Once I had the truck running I decided to drop it off at Ford to have it checked out.